Shameful scenes show contempt on double

THERE are fewer women in the Dail than there are in parliaments in sub-Saharan and war-torn countries. After the misogynistic, sexist incidents in the Dail and Seanad over the last seven days, is it any wonder?

THERE are fewer women in the Dail than there are in parliaments in sub-Saharan and war-torn countries. After the misogynistic, sexist incidents in the Dail and Seanad over the last seven days, is it any wonder?

First we had 'Lapgate', when Fine Gael TD Tom Barry pulled party TD Aine Collins on to his lap during the late-night debate over the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

Then Independent Senator David Norris, who enjoys a wide margin of appreciation because of his rhetorical flourishes, accused Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty of "talking through her fanny" over the planned abolition of the Seanad.

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